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Suzy Perette 1950s Large Size Black and White Nautical Vintage 50s Cotton Dress
Suzy Perette 1950s Large Size Black and White Nautical Vintage 50s Cotton Dress

Suzy Perette 1950s Large Size Black and White Nautical Vintage 50s Cotton Dress

By Suzy Perette

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1950s SUZY PERETTE black and white lightweight soft cotton nautical dress! Features a bow above center bust. Gathers in the back create a flattering and forgiving silhouette. Fu...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Lipstick Red Silk Taffeta Rose Pocket Appliqué Fit n’ Flare 50s Dress
1950s Lipstick Red Silk Taffeta Rose Pocket Appliqué Fit n’ Flare 50s Dress

1950s Lipstick Red Silk Taffeta Rose Pocket Appliqué Fit n’ Flare 50s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and rare vintage 1950s lipstick red silk and nylon taffeta fit and flare dress ! Tailored bodice with a full skirt that features a black taffeta rose with green velvet ste...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Charles Hymen Novelty Postcard Print Vintage 50s 3/4 Sleeves Silk Dress
1950s Charles Hymen Novelty Postcard Print Vintage 50s 3/4 Sleeves Silk Dress

1950s Charles Hymen Novelty Postcard Print Vintage 50s 3/4 Sleeves Silk Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic and rare CHARLES HYMEN novelty postcard print fit n’ flare silk dress ! Features prints of different postcards and letters throughout. Buttons up the front center bodice. Hidden...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s House of Branell Black and White Silk Floral Vintage 50s Wrap Dress
1950s House of Branell Black and White Silk Floral Vintage 50s Wrap Dress

1950s House of Branell Black and White Silk Floral Vintage 50s Wrap Dress

By Branell

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous 1950s demi couture HOUSE OF BRANELL black and white floral print silk short sleeve dress! Faux wrap style is flattering and comfortable for an array of sizes. Fitted bodice ...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Werle of Beverly Hills Demi Couture Pink + Fuchsia Silk Chiffon 50s Dress
1950s Werle of Beverly Hills Demi Couture Pink + Fuchsia Silk Chiffon 50s Dress

1950s Werle of Beverly Hills Demi Couture Pink + Fuchsia Silk Chiffon 50s Dress

By WERLE of Beverly Hills

Located in San Diego, CA

Stunning 1950s vintage WERLE OF BEVERLY HILLS demi couture pink, fuchsia and white watercolor print chiffon silk dress! I once had the long sleeved version of this rare gem, and I wa...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture Green Botanical Floral Silk Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Demi Couture Green Botanical Floral Silk Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress

1950s Demi Couture Green Botanical Floral Silk Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s demi couture green botanical floral print silk fit n' flare sleeveless dress ! Features various shade of green throughout. Hidden metal zipper up the back with hook-a...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Large Plus Size Hand Painted Black Silk Woven Ribbon Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Large Plus Size Hand Painted Black Silk Woven Ribbon Vintage 50s Dress

1950s Large Plus Size Hand Painted Black Silk Woven Ribbon Vintage 50s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful couture quality 1950s large size woven silk ribbon hand painted dress ! Features a flattering tailored bodice with a forgiving skirt. Hand painted flowers in blue, turquois...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Black and White Crepe and Silk Fringe 50s Vintage Wiggle Flapper Dress
1950s Black and White Crepe and Silk Fringe 50s Vintage Wiggle Flapper Dress

1950s Black and White Crepe and Silk Fringe 50s Vintage Wiggle Flapper Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Chic 1950s black and white fringe flapper fringe dress, with a 1920s twist! Wonderful soft black crepe, with a body hugging wiggle fit. Fringe at bust and hem. Full metal zipper with...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

Beautiful 1950s Demi Couture Raspberry Pink 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Crepe Dress
Beautiful 1950s Demi Couture Raspberry Pink 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Crepe Dress

Beautiful 1950s Demi Couture Raspberry Pink 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Crepe Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s demi couture raspberry pink crepe dress! Features pom pom balls attached at the cuffs of each sleeve. Pom poms also featured on the train on the back. Full metal zipp...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Demi Couture Lips Stick Red Silk Lace 3/4 Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Demi Couture Lips Stick Red Silk Lace 3/4 Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress

1950s Demi Couture Lips Stick Red Silk Lace 3/4 Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredible 1950s demi couture lipstick red silk lace fit n' flare cocktail dress! Features silk taffeta with red lace overlay. Large satin bow detail at center front hem. Fitted tail...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Black and White Leaf Print Sequin Cotton Fit and Flare 50s Vintage Dress
1950s Black and White Leaf Print Sequin Cotton Fit and Flare 50s Vintage Dress

1950s Black and White Leaf Print Sequin Cotton Fit and Flare 50s Vintage Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful vintage 50s black and white leaf print fit n' flare mini dress! Features a white background that is embelished with thousands of hand-sewn white sequins throughout. Fitted ...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Size 0 Cobalt Blue Silk Damask Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Rockabilly Dress
1950s Size 0 Cobalt Blue Silk Damask Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Rockabilly Dress

1950s Size 0 Cobalt Blue Silk Damask Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Rockabilly Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s Size 0 cobalt blue silk damask fit n' flare sleeveless rockabilly dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a full skirt. Full metal zipper up the back with hook-and-ey...

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1950s Cocktail Dresses

1950s Bettina of Miami Yellow + Black Cotton Lace Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Bettina of Miami Yellow + Black Cotton Lace Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress

1950s Bettina of Miami Yellow + Black Cotton Lace Fit n' Flare Vintage 50s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s BETTINA OF MIAMI lightweight cotton and lace fit n' flare belted dress ! Features a pale yellow cotton and black lace. Fitted tailored bodice with a forgiving full sk...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Gigi Young Salmon Coral Pink Silk Taffeta Vintage 50s Fit n Flare Dress
1950s Gigi Young Salmon Coral Pink Silk Taffeta Vintage 50s Fit n Flare Dress

1950s Gigi Young Salmon Coral Pink Silk Taffeta Vintage 50s Fit n Flare Dress

By GiGi Young

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s GIG YOUNG salmon / coral pink silk taffeta fit n' flare 3/4 sleeves dress! Features a wonderful flattering tailored bodice with a forgiving full skirt, which could al...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Grey + Black Silk Plaid Taffeta Fit n Flare Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress
1950s Grey + Black Silk Plaid Taffeta Fit n Flare Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress

1950s Grey + Black Silk Plaid Taffeta Fit n Flare Short Sleeve Vintage 50s Dress

Located in San Diego, CA

Pretty 1950s silk taffeta short puff sleeve dress! Features a grey metallic backdrop with black plaid printed throughout. Fitted tailored bodice with ruffles along the neckline. Chic...

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1950s American Cocktail Dresses

1950s Dynasty Black Silk Fit n’ Flare 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Dress Scribe Print
1950s Dynasty Black Silk Fit n’ Flare 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Dress Scribe Print

1950s Dynasty Black Silk Fit n’ Flare 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 50s Dress Scribe Print

By Dynasty

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful 1950s Dynasty black silk scribe print fit and flare dress ! Features a tailored bodice with 3/4 sleeves. Hidden metal zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Full ski...

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1950s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses

Vintage 1950's 50s Black Lace Nude Illusion Bombshell Wiggle Cocktail Dress
Vintage 1950's 50s Black Lace Nude Illusion Bombshell Wiggle Cocktail Dress

Vintage 1950's 50s Black Lace Nude Illusion Bombshell Wiggle Cocktail Dress

Located in Sparks, NV

The perfect little black dress! Tiny nipped waist, V-neckline, and nude illusion peek-a-boo lace accents on the bodice. Short sleeves and hourglass silhouette. Rear metal zip closure...

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1950s American Evening Dresses

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Cocktail Dress 50s For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of cocktail dress 50s for sale on 1stDibs. Many people prefer Black cocktail dress 50s, but fashion is all about individuality — you can find Blue, Beige and more options on these pages. The ideal items for you are waiting among the distinctive accessories we have available, which include versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding appealing cocktail dress 50s such as these — no matter the origin — is easy, but Ceil Chapman, Suzy Perette and James Galanos each produced popular versions that are worth a look.

How Much are Cocktail Dress 50s?

On average, cocktail dress 50s on 1stDibs sell for $853, while they’re typically $125 on the low end and $8,200 for the highest priced versions of these items.

Finding the Right Evening-dresses for You

With entire museum exhibitions dedicated to examining fashion designers and their creations, we’re finally recognizing that costuming is art. Evening dresses over time have conveyed specific statements about social class, position and beliefs. Fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and sophisticated vintage evening dresses and gowns by our favorite couturier play no small role in making us feel wonderful but, perhaps more importantly, making us feel like ourselves.

In the 16th century, dresses and gowns were so important that England's Queen Elizabeth I defined rules about what dresses women could wear — guidance included long skirts and fitted bodices. Forward-thinking designers have responded to this history.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel reimagined traditionally masculine garments for feminine shapes, and her elegant evening dresses and gowns promoted comfort and grace in women’s wear that had been dominated in the previous century by layers of fabric. Christian Dior's gowns celebrated luxury and femininity in the late 1940s — and gave to women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of the war. French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced innovative and highly coveted dress designs in the 1960s while at the same time challenging sexist stereotypes about which members of society could wear tuxedos.

Works by unconventional British designer John Galliano — featured in houses like Givenchy and Dior — redefined limits that dressmakers faced in terms of material, construction and vision during the late 20th century. From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless Dior newspaper dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably collectible and newsworthy

Today’s designers target an increasingly broad audience with their boundary-crossing work, and their tendency to play off of each other’s ideas means that every walk down the runway is also a walk through an entire history of fashion design and dress craftsmanship.

Whether you gravitate toward backless maxi dresses or silk charmeuse gowns by Alexander McQueen or embellished, ruffled floral-print designs by Chloe or Versace, there is an extraordinary collection of vintage and designer evening dresses and gowns waiting for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Cocktail Dress 50s

  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    1950s-style dresses are often called poodle skirt dresses. The dress is generally a fit-and-flare shape with a wide swing skirt. Another popular type of dress is the form-fitting sheath, also known as a pencil dress.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The difference between a dress and a cocktail dress is mainly the specificity of the term. A dress is any garment that has a bodice attached to a skirt. The term cocktail dress refers to a dress designed for events in the late afternoon and early evening. Many feature hemlines that fall between the knee and calf. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cocktail dresses from some of the world's top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A classic cocktail dress is a garment worn for special occasions that usually take place in the evening. Although its name comes from "cocktail party," the dresses are suitable for other types of gatherings. Designs vary greatly, but most cocktail dresses feature a hemline that falls close to the knee. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of vintage cocktail dresses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cocktail dresses usually finish above or at the knees and are paired with high heels. This dress should be party-ready such as dressy separates or a little black dress.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    To identify a cocktail dress, first look at the hemline. Typically, hemlines for cocktail dresses fall to the mid-thigh or above. Materials and embellishments can also indicate a cocktail dress. For example, fine fibers like silk, chiffon and velvet are commonly used for cocktail dresses, and many pieces feature decorative accents, such as sequins and rhinestones. Keep in mind that there are no real hard and fast rules for what classifies as a cocktail dress. The term generally refers to any dress slightly more casual than a formal full-length gown but still suitable for nighttime wear. Explore a large selection of cocktail dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Trends from the 1950s included skinny ties, sports coats, letterman jackets, bowling shirts and saddle shoes. Men like Frank Sinatra helped define trends in the 1950s.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cocktail dresses first rose to prominence in the 1920s and onward, with each era making its own mark on the practical and fashionable garment. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary cocktail dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Yes, leather jackets were popular in the 50s. They became a trend after Marlon Brando wore one in the 1953 film The Wild One. Beloved by rockers, rebels and outsiders, the original leather biker jacket was introduced by the Schott Brothers, in Manhattan, in 1928. Because of its association with motorcycle club riots, U.S. schools banned the jackets for a time. Shop a selection of leather jackets from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    How much Chanel bags were in the 1950s varied based on style. When introduced in 1955, the now iconic Chanel 2.55 sold for $220. Chanel has raised the price of popular accessories over the years. Shop a large collection of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    In the 1950s, most people just called record players record players. The technical name for record players from this period is a phonograph. Until the 1940s, many people referred to record players as gramophones. On 1stDibs, find a variety of record players.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s, first look for a label. You may be able to determine the approximate date of the dress simply by researching the designer using reputable online sources. Also, check the zippers. Dresses from the 1960s will usually have metal or nylon zippers. Ones from the 1970s are more likely to be plastic. You'll find a large selection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The dresses they wore in the 1960s varied depending on the time of day and the occasion. For everyday wear, many women opted for simply tailored frocks called shift dresses. They often featured bold geometric prints in eye-catching colors. In the evening, women tended to opt for gowns with plunging necklines, fitted waists and flowing full skirts. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage dresses from the 1960s.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    The iconic dresses from the 1920s are called flapper dresses. This name comes from the term flapper, which was used to describe young women during the period who enjoyed personal fulfillment and independence in American cities, particularly as they gained the right to vote and enjoy other freedoms previously reserved for men. Flappers danced at jazz clubs and upended most societal restrictions placed on women at the time, and fashion statements typically attributed to flappers included short “bob” haircuts, higher hemlines and other then-audacious style choices. Find a selection of flapper dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There are a few options for how you should dress for a ’70s party. You can go for the hippie look with dramatic bell-bottoms, fringed jackets and vests and embroidered blouses, or try a sporty look by pairing a vintage tee with high-waisted, button-fly flared jeans and clogs or platform shoes. For a straight-from-the-disco aesthetic, look for surplice and halter dresses decked out in sequins. Men can make a 1970s-inspired statement with a leisure suit or bell-bottoms matched with a turtleneck. Aviator sunglasses are great accessories for both men and women. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of 1970s apparel and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    In the 1990s, people dressed in different ways. Styles included grunge, modern preppy, hip-hop and goth. Some trends of the decade were slip dresses, plaid flannel shirts, long plaid skirts, overalls, combat boots and loose-fitting rolled jeans. Neon colors were popular for a time, as were fabric headbands and fabric-covered ponytail holders. Shop a selection of 90s vintage apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Many different styles of dress were popular in the 1990s, including the slip dress which became very common by the middle of the decade. Tastes and styles varied between regions and among people. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage 1990s dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In the 1920s, the flapper dress became a fresh new look for both day and evening wear. This shift dress hung from shoulder to just below the knee with a significant drop waistline. The evening versions of these dresses often featured lace, fringe, beadwork and luxe fabrics like chiffon, velvet and taffeta. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage flapper dresses from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

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The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior

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